What is BS EN 16442 - Storage cabinet for processed thermolabile endoscopes about?
BS EN 16442 is a European standard that discusses the controlled environment storage cabinet for processed thermolabile endoscopes to ensure the quality of the endoscope. BS EN 16442 outlines the performance requirements applying to cabinets designed to store, store and dry, thermolabile endoscopes following automated or manual processing.
The controlled environment provided by the storage cabinet ensures that during storage there is no deterioration of the microbiological quality of the endoscope. The drying function is intended to supplement, if necessary, any drying provided as part of the automated or manual processing cycle. BS EN 16442 specifies storage cabinets that flush the channels and the external surfaces of endoscopes with air.
Note 1: The cabinet is not intended to provide any cleaning or disinfection function.
Note 2: The storage cabinet is one of the means that can allow the safe use of the endoscope for an extended period from the time of processing and improve availability for emergency use.
Note 3: Thorough drying of an endoscope in a washer-disinfector can require a prolonged cycle time, the use of a storage cabinet including a drying function can enhance the throughput of the endoscopes.
Note 4: BS EN 16442 does not include the use of other chemicals for drying and maintaining the quality of endoscopes during storage.
Who is BS EN 16442 - Storage cabinet for processed thermolabile endoscopes for?
BS EN 16442 on storage cabinet for processed thermolabile endoscopes is useful for:
- Medical laboratories
- Personnel authorised for processed thermolabile endoscopes
- Regulatory authorities
Why should you use BS EN 16442 - Storage cabinet for processed thermolabile endoscopes?
The storage cabinets are designed to provide a controlled environment for storage of endoscope(s), with or without channels, and when necessary, drying of the endoscope(s), including the endoscope(s) channels.
BS EN 16442 guideline assists you with performance requirements on storage, drying and endoscope storage cabinet connectors (ESC connectors) for controlled environment storage cabinets for processed thermolabile endoscopes.
BS EN 16442 provides mechanical and procedure requirements on materials, air quality, contamination of the storage cabinet chamber surfaces, endoscope channel aeration system, fault indication/monitoring, temperature indicators, pressure indicators, double-ended storage cabinets, and more for controlled environment storage cabinets for processed thermolabile endoscopes.
BS EN 16442 also provide guidance on testing for conformity, documentation and information to be requested from the purchaser by the manufacturer for controlled environment storage cabinets for processed thermolabile endoscopes.
This ensures that during storage there is no deterioration of the microbiological quality of the endoscope. With compliance and obedience to BS EN 16442, you can ensure the safe use of endoscopes at an extended period from the time of processing improving availability for use.
